<div><strong>Background: </strong>Bacterial endophytes lives in internal tissues of root, stem and leaves of grain amaranth plants. Isolation and screening of efficient bacterial endophytes for plant growth promotion, biocontrol activities and drought tolerance can develop as suitable bioinoculants for alleviate drought and stress tolerance and plant growth promotion.<br />
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<strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>Bacterial endophytes were isolated from grain amaranth (<em>Amaranthus </em>spp) and all isolates were screened for nitrogen fixation, phosphorous solubilisation, growth hormone production and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase production. Molecular identification of bacterial isolates was done by 16S rRNA sequencing to identify the organisms.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Seventeen isolates showed high growth in N-free media and nine isolates could efficiently solubilize phosphates. Two isolates significantly produced higher concentrations of gibberellins, maximum number of bacterial isolates produced Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and eight isolates were able to produce cytokinins. Fifteen isolates have shown positive for ACC activity [1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase production] in grain amaranth and five bacterial isolates (RAR-5, RAS-3, RAL-7, WAR-1 and WAS-11) have significant plant growth promoting activities compared to others. Further, significant bacterial isolates were identified as <em>Alcaligenes faecalis subsp. phenolicus, Pseudomonas moorei, Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus cereus</em> and <em>Acromobacter deleyi</em> by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.</div>


<p>Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Endophytes from Grain Amaranth (<em>Amaranthus caudatus</em>) for Plant Growth Promotion</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Barley (<em>Hordeum vulgare</em> L.) is one of the more important cultivated crops in the Mediterranean region, where drought and high temperatures during the grain filling stage are the main abiotic stresses limiting its production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the spike type on the grain yield, thousand kernels weight and some grain filling parameters.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The present study was conducted on the experimental site of station ITGC in Setif, Algeria, eight Barley genotypes were tested during two cropping seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) in a randomized block design with 3 replications.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The results proved significant effect of genotypes and spike types on the grain filling parameters, but no significant effect of spike type on the thousand kernels weight during the both cropping seasons. In addition, the spike type registered significant effect just during the second cropping season. Among the genotypes with 6 rows spike type the local genotype Fouarra have high grain yield (97.79 Q/ha) with a deviation of 37.57% from the total mean of the genotypes with 6 row spike type. Many studies proved that in 6-row barleys, the magnitude of contribution of grain number in grain yield was higher than contribution of grain weight. The grain growth of genotypes studied follows a sigmoid curve, during the first season (2017-2018) the duration of grain filling ranged between 24 days for Saida 183 and 28 days for Rihane 03, for the group of genotypes with 6 rows. In addition, the duration of grain filling for the 2 row genotypes varied from 24 days for G4 to 28 days for genotype G2. During the second season (2018-2019) and for the genotypes with 6 rows, the duration of the grain filling varied from 21 days for the Saida 183 and 26 days for the genotype Fouarra, for the genotypes with 2 rows the duration of grain filling ranged from 21 days for the genotype G2 to 26 days for the genotype G3. The correlation analysis between the grain filling parameters, GY and TKW demonstrate a significant and positive correlation between TKW and MGW and GFR (r = 0.82* and r = 0.84*, respectively). Overall, the genotype variation in grain filling velocity and duration was responsible for the difference in grain yield and the improvement in grain yield was achieved by the increasing in velocity or duration of grain filling. &nbsp;</div>


<p>The Effect of Spike Row Type on the Grain Yield and Grain Filling Parameters in Barley (<em>Hordeum vulgare</em> L.) Genotypes under Semi-arid Conditions</p>


<div>The physiological and phytochemical responses of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) and green amaranth (Amaranthus dubius L.) to different salinity levels were determined in two experiments conducted in Vietnam. Both experiments were performed in a net house involving pot experiments arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Two genotypes of amaranth were grown in garden soil, saline soil, 50% garden soil: 50% saline soil and 25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Salinization was imposed at 7, 14 and 21 days after transplanting. Results indicated that salt stress decreased growth parameters and biomass production in all treatments except for 25 mM NaCl. Na+ and Cl- content accumulated in both shoot and root, however, root had greater NaCl content than shoot. Total phenolics, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity increased with increasing salinity levels from 25 mM to 50 mM NaCl; however, at 100 mM NaCl, all these parameters decreased. These results showed that red amaranth was more tolerant to salinity stress than green amaranth.</div>


<div>Physiological and phytochemical responses of red amaranth (<em>Amaranthus tricolor</em> L.) and green amaranth (<em>Amaranthus dubius</em> L.) to different salinity levels</div>


<p style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background: </strong>This project is aimed at developing a milk-based beverage combining the nutrient properties of milk, amaranth and dates. Inclusion of amaranth and dates in flavoured milk could provide product diversification and benefits to the health-conscious consumers. The objective of the present study was to develop a procedure for manufacture of an amaranth date flavoured milk (ADFM) using amaranth and date.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> To select the level of fat in milk, four batches of ADFM were prepared from milks containing different levels of milk fat <em>viz</em>. F1 (4.5%), F2 (3.0%), F3 (1.5%) and F4 (0.1%). To carry out their optimization in the final product formulation, the data was analysed using response surface methodology (RSM) using an advanced statistical software program named design expert (Version 8.0.3) was employed.<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>On the basis of overall acceptability score, ADFM prepared from milk containing fat at 3.0% fat was preferred the most. From amongst different types and levels of stabilizing salts it was found that addition of 0.15% sodium citrate prevented coagulation during sterilization. The levels of roasted amaranth flour (% w/w of milk), date extract (% w/w of milk) and sugar (% w/w of milk) for preparation of ADFM was optimized using RSM with CCRD using three independent variables. The suggested solution from RSM analysis for ADFM was: level of roasted amaranth flour: 1.61 % w/w of milk, level of date extract: 5.16% w/w of milk and sugar: 6.0% w/w of milk. The developed product has 20.83% total solid, 2.77% fat, 3.07% protein, 14.15% carbohydrate, and 0.84% ash. Results of the study revealed that an acceptable quality ADFM can be manufactured by incorporating roasted amaranth and date.</p>


<p class="ql-align-justify">Amaranth and Date Flavoured Milk</p>

<div><strong>Background:</strong> Whole grains serve as a preferred carbohydrate source in a modern Indian diet to achieve a balance of macronutrients, micronutrients, fibers and phytochemicals for optimal health promotion and prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity. The five most common ancient grains that have the potential to be used more in Indian cooking are amaranth, barley, pearl millet, finger millet and sorghum. These grains have higher fiber and protein content.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted to investigate chemical composition, sugar content, <em>in vitro</em> protein and starch digestibility and antinutrient content of pearl millet, sorghum and mung bean. Effect of blanching and germination on chemical composition of pearl millet and mung bean, respectively were determined.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results of proximate composition of grains revealed that germinated mung bean had significantly highest amount of protein, total soluble sugar, non reducing sugar content, <em>in vitro </em>protein digestibility. Sorghum had significantly higher content of total carbohydrate, reducing sugar, starch and<em> in vitro </em>starch digestibility. Crude fat, phytic acid and polyphenol were highest in unprocessed pearl millet. Germination and blanching of seeds cause the significant reduction in anti-nutrient content of mung bean and pearl millet, respectively.</div>


<div>Proximate Composition,<em> In vitro </em>Digestibility and Anti Nutritional Factors of Millets and Legume Grains</div>


<div>Rice (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L.)&nbsp; is the world&rsquo;s single most important staple food source for over half of the world&rsquo;s population, whose demand is expected to increase as human population increases almost exponentially every year. There are different kinds of abiotic and biotic stresses that a rice plant endures. Among the different forms of environmental stresses, drought hampers the production of rice grains notably. The reality of climate change is so stark that more and more droughts are expected to be evident in the distant future. Water, being a requisite for rice cultivation, is gradually becoming a highly limited resource across the earth. In comparison to other cereal crops, rice is more sensitive to the soil water content. Decrease of soil water content or the unavailability of water triggers drought stress in rice. Therefore, the management of drought stress for the growth of rice plants is essential as even moderate stress during reproductive growth may result in a drastic reduction of grain yield. The distinct changes brought about by drought stress not only range from morphological to physiological changes but also from biochemical to molecular changes as well. A number of starch synthesis related enzymes like granule bound starch synthase I (GBSSI), soluble starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) play important role in grain filling, which are also affected by limited water under drought environment. Due to water scarcity, the rate of photosynthesis decreases, as a result of which dry matter accumulation decreases, which ultimately affects grain filling in rice. Drought causes delayed flowering as well as spikelet sterility, followed by low grain yield during harvesting. The prevalence of drought over longer periods causes reactive oxygen species to form within the rice plants which subsequently denatures proteins and nucleic acids. In many places where drought continues for longer periods, rice plants die resulting in huge loss of grain yields. The effective strategies that have been adopted involves-the development of stable drought tolerant rice varieties through plant breeding programs, the development of short duration rice cultivars which have short growing cycle and harvesting periods that may help the plant to escape drought, the development of rice plants having deep root system such that it can penetrate the soil to find the available moisture and water required for growth, as well as the development of transgenic drought tolerant rice plants which over express specific genes to withstand drought, are few of the effective management strategies that need special attention. Thus, it can be said that drought management for rice production is a crucial step towards food security and food production in the world. The present discussions will emphasize on the negative impact of drought in rice plants and also discuss possible key management practices that can address the existing and imminent drought related problems on rice plants.</div>


<p>Impact of Drought Stress on Grains Filling in Rice and its Management: A Review</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Thirty-two black gram genotypes were evaluated using twelve quantitative and fifteen qualitative traits at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Allahabad, India to determine genetic divergence using important yield and yield contributing traits. The number of pods plant-1, peduncle length, harvest index and biomass yield plant-1 are important traits affecting grain yield response in black gram. The quantitative traits like; pod length, number of pods plant-1, 100-grain weight as well as qualitative traits like; stem pubescence, leaf pubescence, pod pubescence, pre mature pod colour and plant growth habit which have major contribution in the genetic divergence of black gram. The number of pods plant-1 is most important grain yield contributing and genetic divergence developing traits. The genotypes were classified into six clusters based on Euclidean distance. The genotypes belonging to cluster I, II and III were highly diverse than genotypes lies in cluster IV, V and VI. The genotypes IPU 99-176, UH 82-51, GE 154, IPU 99-3 and NG 2119 had good potential to develop high yielding transgressive segregants. The wide genetic diversity is present in black gram. The present study will be much helpful for selection of the parental lines to develop good grain yield producing black gram cultivar in accordance with changing climate. &nbsp;</div>

Divergence analysis of black gram (<em>Vigna mungo</em> L.) for grain yield and yield components

<div>Chickpea is the major pulse crop in India accounting for nearly 43% (10.13 MT) of the total pulse production and 80% of total pulse export during 2018-19. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein and constitutes an important component of diet of largely vegetarian Indian masses. Hydration capacity and volume expansion (after soaking in water) are important cooking quality traits in chickpea, particularly in kabuli type which are mostly cooked as &lsquo;whole grain&rsquo; without decortication. Limited information is available on these properties of chickpea. The current study is aimed at assessing the genetic variability and inter-relationships among grain physical and hydration traits in chickpea varieties. During the period 2017-2018, a total of fifty-nine chickpea (<em>Cicer arietinum</em> L.) varieties including 46 desi type and 13 <em>kabuli</em> type varieties were evaluated for their grain physical and hydration traits viz., 100-seed weight, seed density, hydration capacity, hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index. Significant differences were observed for 100 seed weight (Range: 11.00 to 51.50 g/100 seeds; Mean: 21.8 g/100 seeds), seed density (Range: 1.19 to 1.88; Mean: 1.37), hydration capacity (Range: 0.05 to 0.62; Mean: 0.24), hydration index (Range: 0.33 to 1.51; Mean: 1.10), swelling capacity (Range: 0.08 to 0.60; Mean: 0.25) and swelling index (Range: 0.62 to 2.33; Mean: 1.59). The magnitude of PCV was moderately higher than the corresponding GCV values for most of the traits indicating that the influence of the environment on the expression of these traits was not high. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for 100-seed weight, hydration capacity and swelling capacity in both desi and kabuli varieties. These results indicate that high heritability of these traits is predominantly due to additive gene action and hence direct selection for these traits is expected to be effective. 100-seed weight showed significant positive correlations with hydration capacity and swelling capacity and negative correlation with seed density. Seed density showed negative correlation with hydration capacity, hydration index and swelling capacity. Hydration capacity was positively correlated with hydration index, swelling capacity and swelling index. These traits are important for consumers where whole grains are consumed after soaking and cooking. Existence of sufficient variability for these quality traits suggest the scope for breeding chickpea towards improved consumer preferred quality traits.</div>


<div>Genetic Variability and Inter-relationships Among Grain Physical and Hydration Traits in Chickpea</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Rice (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L.) feeds more than half of the world population, but it is a poor source of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). Therefore, there is a need for Zn and Fe- biofortified rice in the food chain. For this, rice breeding needs to be re-oriented to improve the status of grain Zn and Fe content while increasing the yield potential. Identification of micronutrient-rich donors and their association study with agro-economic traits can pave the way for nutritional and food security.<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>Zinc and iron content of a set of 92 rice genotypes was estimated in the aliquot of seed extract by using an Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) to explore donors and to study the degree of association of these micronutrients with agro-economic traits including grain quality traits and seed yield.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The top Fe (&ge;50 ppm) and Zn dense (&ge;40 ppm) genotypes identified were P44 mutant selection-1, ORCZ 75-3-1, Basudha, Malliphulajhuli, Tikimahsuri and Nikipankhia. P44 mutant Sel.-1 and ORCZ 75-3-1 had good yield potential (44 q ha<sup>-1</sup>). Grains/panicles and the number of effective bearing tillers/hill maintained an appreciably strong positive association with seed yield, while plant height had an inverse relationship. Grain Fe content positively correlated with panicle length. On the other hand, Zn is positively associated with tillering ability and grains/panicle. Grain Fe and Zn revealed strong a <em>inter se</em> positive association. Interestingly, grain Fe revealed no association, but grain Zn revealed significant positive relationship with seed yield. This envisaged better scope for genetic enhancement of grain Zn content along with substantial increase in grain Fe without any yield penalty.</div>


<p>Phenotyping and Association Analysis of Grain Zinc and Iron Content with Seed Yield in Diverse Local Germplasm of Rice</p>


<div>Grain legumes are the important source of dietary protein in tropical regions and insect pests &nbsp;are the major biotic constraints in the production of the grain legumes throughout the country. &nbsp;About 150 species of insects are known to attack pulse crops in India. Among the insect pests, the sucking pests like aphid, Aphis &nbsp;craccivora Koch; jassid, Empoasca kerri Pruthi; whitefly, Bemisia &nbsp;tabaci Gennadius, thrips,Thrips palmi Karny and flower thrips, Megalurothrips usitatus Bagnall are known to cause significant damage &nbsp;to the pulse crops and also indirectly acting as a vectors in transmitting the deadly diseases resulting in severe loss in grain yields of the legume crops. The present review highlights the losses caused by the sucking pests and critically review the literature generated on the bio efficacy of conventional and novel groups of chemical insecticides for the management of sucking pests infesting grain legumes at different locations in India. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div>


Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Endophytes from Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) for Plant Growth Promotion

The Effect of Spike Row Type on the Grain Yield and Grain Filling Parameters in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes under Semi-arid Conditions

Physiological and phytochemical responses of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) and green amaranth (Amaranthus dubius L.) to different salinity levels

Amaranth and Date Flavoured Milk

Proximate Composition, In vitro Digestibility and Anti Nutritional Factors of Millets and Legume Grains

Impact of Drought Stress on Grains Filling in Rice and its Management: A Review

Divergence analysis of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) for grain yield and yield components

Genetic Variability and Inter-relationships Among Grain Physical and Hydration Traits in Chickpea

Phenotyping and Association Analysis of Grain Zinc and Iron Content with Seed Yield in Diverse Local Germplasm of Rice

Bioefficacy of chemical insecticides against major sucking insectpests on grain legumes in India- A review